DEATH OF AN ADEPT

First time in hardback for this established contemporary occult series (Dagger Magic, etc.). Edinburgh baronet and psychiatrist Sir Adam Sinclair leads a Hunt Lodge, a sort of white magic police force. While Adam's in America collecting his bride- to-be, Ximena, old foe and black magic Lynx-Master Francis Raeburn takes possession of an ancient Pictish dagger, an implement he hopes to us as a channel for evil psychic energy. All the while Francis is keeping tabs on Adam and company, though the latter only gradually become aware of who and what they're up against. After several skirmishes, Francis uses the dagger to summon the banished spirit of William Lord Soulis, Scotland's wickedest sorcerer; Soulis demands a body to occupy as his price for revealing how to control demons. So Francis snatches Adam while he's distracted by wedding preparations, and a furious showdown ensues. Rather too much padding, but well-handled occult lore and doings with plenty of local color: Fans of Kurtz's engrossing Deryni series of Harris's solo outings (The Bastard Prince, 1994, etc.) should find it worth a look.